Anthropogenic Pollution Influence on the Antioxidant Activity in Leaves and on the Cytogenic Structures in the Seedlings of the Representatives of the Rhododendron Genus

The species specificity of antioxidant activity (AOA) was found in members of the Rhododendron genus of the Dauricum series. The level of AOA varies within one conventional unit in different species (Rhododendron mucronulatum Turcz., Rhododendron dauricum L., Rhododendron ledebourii Pojark., Rhododendron sichotense Pojark.), as well as in the same species Rhododendron ledebourii growing on pollution-free and polluted area. The identified positive correlation of AOA level with the number of vacuolated cells in the apical root meristem, as well as with the level of mitosis pathologies, allow using these indicators for bioindication.